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Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) transfer window looked incredible even before they added Nuno Mendes to their squad on deadline day. Now it can be comfortably said that they have the best squad in Europe. PSG have constructed a super squad, with world-class players in every position on the field.
They are heavy favorites to win Ligue 1, and also the Champions League. After failing to win the league last season, Mauricio Pochettino's job is now extremely clear.
Here's a look at PSG's possible lineup for Saturday's match against Clermont Foot. The likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi are not expected to feature.
PSG's probable starting XI against Clermont Foot:
Goalkeeper- Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma is yet to make his PSG debut after his high-profile free transfer move to Ligue 1. The Italy international is one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
Donnarumma was a prodigious talent during his AC Milan days, making his debut for the club aged 16. The goalkeeper's display at Euro 2020 attracted a global audience, and Donnarumma won the UEFA European Championship Player of the tournament.
Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been preferred ahead of Donnarumma so far by manager Mauricio Pochettino. Navas is also a world-class shot-stopper, and has done little wrong since moving to Paris. However, 22-year old Donnarumma looks likely to start against Clermont Foot for PSG.
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Right-back- Achraf Hakimi
One of the best right-backs in the world, Achraf Hakimi joined PSG from Inter Milan for £54 million this summer.
Hakimi was reluctantly sold by Inter Milan as they were facing financial difficulties. The right-back is a world-class player who has enjoyed a good start for PSG this season. Highly creative and offensively gifted, Hakimi is a pacy right-back with good technical ability.
The Morocco international will compete with Colin Dagba for the right-back spot this season. Hakimi will be a definite starter for Paris Saint-Germain this season provided he stays fit.
Centre-back- Thilo Kehrer
PSG paid Schalke £33.3 million to acquire defender Thilo Kehrer in 2018. But Kehrer has done little to prove that he was worth the price.
The Germany international is a squad player at PSG, and has struggled to get consistent game time. Kehrer is a versatile player who has played both at right-back and centre-back for the Parisiens.
The 24-year old was linked with a move away this summer. Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich were both linked with him, but a move did not materialize. It is hard to imagine Kehrer getting minutes once PSG's stars are available.
Centre-back- Marquinhos
The leader of PSG's defense, Marquinhos is one of the first names on the teamsheet. One of the best defenders in the world, Marquinhos is a sensational centre-back.
The 27-year old joined PSG from Roma in 2013 for £28.2 million. Marquinhos played alongside Thiago Silva for some time at Paris Saint-Germain, and has clearly learned a lot from his fellow Brazilian.
The Brazil international is good on the ball and physically gifted. It will be interesting to see who partners Marquinhos this season. Sergio Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe and Kehrer are all options.
Left-back- Abdou Diallo
The left-back was highlighted as a potential weakness for PSG. The club had Juan Bernat, Abdou Diallo and Layvin Kurzawa as their options before transfer deadline day.
The signing of Nuno Mendes on deadline day on an initial loan from Sporting CP solves another problem. Mendes is one of the best young left-backs in the world, and the Portugal international will surely start as soon as possible for his new club.
For now, though, Abdou Diallo should keep his place. Diallo joined PSG from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 for nearly £29 million. The 25-year old is capable of playing as a centre-back and as a left-back, and has been a squad player for his club.
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Defensive midfielder- Danilo Pereira
Danilo Pereira and Idrissa Gueye are the two traditional defensive midfielders at PSG. Pereira joined the French giants on an initial loan deal from Porto in 2020.
The move was made permanent after a season, with the Ligue 1 giants paying Porto nearly £15 million for him. The Portugal international is an experienced operator who is defensively astute.
Pereira might not be an incredible footballer, but he has an imposing midfield presence with good defensive attributes. The 30-year old can also play as a centre-back if needed.
Central midfielder- Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum was another high-profile free transfer arrival for PSG this summer. Wijnaldum played a pivotal role in Liverpool's success under Jurgen Klopp before moving to Paris.
An extremely fit athlete, the 30-year old rarely missed a game in the Premier League due to injury. Wijnaldum won the Premier League and the Champions League with Liverpool.
The Netherlands international is renowned for his work off the ball. Wijnaldum can operate in various midfield roles, and his leadership and overall quality could prove to be important for his new club.
Central midfielder- Ander Herrera
Another free transfer acquisition, Ander Herrera joined PSG in 2019 after his contract with Manchester United expired. Herrera was a fan favorite among the Manchester United faithful.
A committed player, the 32-year old is an energetic and dynamic midfield presence well-known for his combative nature. Herrera is a technically gifted player as well.
The Spain international was linked with a move away from PSG this summer. Herrera's time in France could soon come to an end, but for now he remains an important midfield option.
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Right-winger- Rafinha
Not many can immediately recall that Rafinha is still a PSG player. Rafinha moved to Paris from Barcelona for £1.3 million in 2020, as PSG sought to add more depth to their squad.
The Brazil international is capable of playing in midfield and further forward, but has not been a consistent presence in PSG's starting XIs since joining the club.
The 28-year old, who was rated highly during his Barcelona days, was recently linked with a move away. Aston Villa were rumored to be interested, while Fenerbahce were touted as a potential destination.
Striker- Alexandre Fressange
Alexandre Fressange is a youth team player at PSG who could get a chance against Clermont Foot. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Mauro Icardi, Neymar, Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe all unlikely to feature, Fressange looks set to start.
The 20-year old centre-forward has sufficiently impressed Mauricio Pochettino to be given a first-team chance.
PSG have one of the best academies in the world. However, very few academy graduates have made it to the first-team. Adrien Rabiot and Presnel Kimpembe come to mind. Yacine Adli, Odsonne Edouard and Moussa Dembele have all been sold or let go in recent years.
Left-winger- Julian Draxler
Julian Draxler is another squad player at PSG who arguably could have done better at another club. Draxler was regarded as a prodigious talent during his Schalke days. After a short spell with Wolfsburg, the 27-year old joined PSG on January 2017 for £32.4 million. Draxler has featured regularly for the club, but has not always been a starter.
The Germany international is a versatile player who can play as a 10 or on the wings. Technically solid, Draxler signed a new contract earlier this year which will extend his stay at the club until 2024.
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